no estoy enfermo
/no estoi enfeɾmo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I am not sick" is expressed in Spanish as no estoy enfermo.
This phrase is used to state that a person is currently in good health.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase no estoy enfermo/a is used in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar (to be) because being sick is considered a temporary state or condition. The gender of the adjective must match the gender of the person speaking: use no estoy enfermo for a male speaker and no estoy enferma for a female speaker. Using the form no estoy enfermo/a serves as a gender-neutral placeholder.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying no soy enfermo. Using ser instead of estar incorrectly implies that being a sick person is a permanent part of your identity rather than a temporary state.
Did you know?
- The word enfermo shares an unexpected root with the English word 'firm'. While 'firm' implies strength, the Spanish word is built from the Latin 'infirmus', meaning 'not strong'.
- While enfermo refers to being sick, Spanish uses the word sano to mean 'healthy'. This word is a cognate of the English word 'sane', though in Spanish it refers to physical health rather than mental state.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to say estoy mal (I am bad) to describe being sick, rather than using the specific word enfermo.
Examples in context
- No estoy malito/a, solo necesito descansar un poco más.I'm not feeling unwell, I just need some extra rest.
- No estoy enfermo/a, solo estoy un poco cansado/a.I'm not sick, I'm just a bit tired.
- No estoy enfermo, puedo ir a trabajar.I am not sick, I can go to work.
- Tranquila, no estoy enfermo.Don't worry, I am not sick.
- No estoy enfermo, solo tengo un poco de sueño.I am not sick, I am just a little sleepy.
Example conversation
Javier is talking to María about his health.
- JavierHola María, me siento muy bien.Hello María, I feel very well.
- MaríaPensé que estabas mal.I thought you were unwell.
- JavierNo, no estoy enfermo.No, I am not sick.
- MaríaQué bueno, Javier.That's good, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfermo, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
